Security pundits are burning the phosphor to bring you their latest thoughts on the Google/China hack. The discussions often end up circling around the phrase Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) and debating the level of sophistication of the attackers and whether the attacks were espionage or something else. All of these are interesting questions and the discussions are definitely worth reading.

The major point that I see in all of it is this: Today's adversaries are well-funded, smart, and very determined. As you read about the Google/China event and consider how it might impact you, think about how well your organization could defend itself against a skilled group of adversaries who are willing to spend a million dollars over a year or two to breach your security. That's the reality of today's adversary.

Hmmmm. That would make a fine magazine: Today's Adversary. I'd subscribe.

Dedication

My grandfather had a wonderful shop in his basement. To me, it was a place of mystery and fascination, and I would spend hours wandering through it, looking at all the tools and projects in various states of completion. Not being much of a wood worker, I've never had the need for such a shop (not to mention that I lack a basement), but recently it occurs to me that my gear, computers, and software are my shop. This site is for my late grandfather and everyone else who takes personal pride in carefully executed work.